Snehit is first Telugu male paddler to break into Top 100 in the world, is ranked World 82

Snehit Suravajjula made history by becoming the first male Telugu table tennis player to break into the top 100 in the latest ranking issued by the International Table Tennis Federation. The Telangana paddler, who has been doing well on the circuit in the last few months, is now ranked World No.82.

Lack of financial support is the main reason why Snehit has not been able to make rapid progress in his career, bemoans his father Ramu Suravajjula. He says successive governments have let sports and sportspersons down while indulging in the ‘Bangaru Telangana’ slogan from time to time.

“Many of you know that my boy Snehit who is a professional table tennis player, has climbed 18 places. He was ranked 100 but according to the latest ranking, he is World No. 82,” said Snehit’s father Ramu.

Father bemoans lack of financial support from state

Talking about his journey, Ramu said they were hampered by the lack of support from the Telangana Government.  “There is a lack of clear policy towards sports. That hurts us so much,” he stated.

Ramu further added that the lack of participation in international tournaments has deprived his son of some points and also has denied him the necessary exposure to take on the best in the world.

“If you are in top 40 only, a player will get a chance for Olympics,” he bemoaned.

He stressed that a lot of hard work went behind this achievement. “There are sacrifices. There are some good people (coach, mentors), who helped my son in his journey so far. But without proper financial help, it will be difficult for a player to scale greater heights,” Ramu said.